Tropical Fish Forum

Tropical Fish Keeping => General Fishkeeping Chat => Topic started by: water watcher on February 10, 2019, 08:55:34 AM

Title: Inspiration for 55G community tank
Post by: water watcher on February 10, 2019, 08:55:34 AM
Hi all,

I have just cycled a new tank for my front room. 55 gallon with oversized external filter. It is planted with Java fern and annubias on rocks, bogwood and mopani. I have some frogbit floating on top too.

PH - 6.9
GH - 6
Temp set at 26

So far I have:

18 Black Neon Tetra  (personal favourite) may go up to 24 for a great looking shoal

I intend to get small school of Corys and otos.

I would like another species (possibly a centrepiece) I'm not keen on Gourami and looking to move away from appisto etc.

Any suggestions for me to consider would be very welcome.

Thanks in advance.

Title: Re: Inspiration for 55G community tank
Post by: Matt on February 10, 2019, 09:13:22 AM
A centrepiece that's not a gourami or dwarf cichlid... hmm... you could have a few female betta? Peacock gobies are really colourful. EDIT: Also lyretail killifish (or another killi)

Have a quick look at sparkling gourami also... they are not your usual gourami, more regular body shape, and far more peaceful.

You could also go for something schooling near the surface to add a new 'layer' to the tank. Something like hatchetfish , rocket panchax or pencilfish.
Title: Re: Inspiration for 55G community tank
Post by: Sue on February 10, 2019, 10:18:35 AM
I second peacock gobies (aka peacock gudgeons) because I have some  :) 1 male 3 females would look good. I have 2 males, one is dominant and he is a good 3 inches long. The subordinate male is the same size as the females, which is why I suggest just one male. They need small caves to spawn in, the tighter the fit the more they seem to like it.


I would turn your heater down a bit as 26 deg is a bit on the warm side for cories. The black neons you have would also be happier at around 24 deg.
Title: Re: Inspiration for 55G community tank
Post by: Littlefish on February 10, 2019, 11:39:11 AM
Peacock gobies have great colours and markings, which would look fantastic with your black neon tetras.

Title: Re: Inspiration for 55G community tank
Post by: water watcher on February 10, 2019, 01:46:28 PM
Thanks for all the quick responses - never considered Peacock Gobies, interesting- more research required.

I was already considering pencil fish after the article in PFK last month, the big issue being I never see any in my area. i have never used online fish stores and a little wary.

I have always liked Gourami visually, it's just I always seem to buy psychotic aggressive ones (or maybe I make them aggressive somehow) and I definitely want this tank to be an oasis of calm.

Food for thought, thanks.